You purchase a television thinking you’ve struck gold, only to have a friend inform you that it’s not optimized for gaming. Terms like 60 Hz, HDMI 2.1, and upcoming cloud gaming support come up, leaving you confused. So, what do you really need in a TV for an exceptional gaming experience on the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X? Let’s delve into the details so you can make an informed decision.
What Is Necessary to Maximize Console Features
4K, Full HD, or HD Resolution: The standout feature to look for when selecting a gaming TV is 4K resolution. Most TVs over 40 inches now offer this as the standard. If you’re considering a TV under 30 inches, be cautious; many might still support only Full HD or even lower resolutions. Aim for 4K to enjoy superior visual quality without noticeable pixelation.
Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X deliver:
- Resolution up to 4K.
- Support for refresh rates up to 120 Hz.
- HDMI 2.1 support.
Hertz (Hz) and FPS: Next, focus on the TV’s refresh rate, ideally at least 120 Hz. This is crucial for high-performance gaming, as many titles offer different quality/performance modes, typically 4K/30 fps or Full HD/120 Hz. If your console can output 120 fps but your TV only refreshes at 60 Hz, you’ll only experience a maximum of 60 fps. Thus, understanding this distinction—frames per second (FPS) generated by the console versus Hz refreshed by the TV—is essential.
Functions and Technologies That Are a Good Addition
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): This technology adapts the refresh rate of your TV to the game’s fps for a smoother gaming experience. Ensure the TV supports either AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync.
Game Modes: Some TVs enhance gaming performance by offering special modes that optimize latency and resolution. However, results may vary depending on the game.
Cloud Gaming Support: This allows you to play games without a console, relying on your internet connection. Be cautious, as this could lead to latency or reduced image quality.
Anti-Glare Screen: An anti-reflective coating can significantly enhance your viewing experience, especially in brightly lit rooms. However, it tends to increase the price of high-end models.
Recommended Models
TCL Q6C
If you’re looking for a television with an excellent quality-to-price ratio, consider the TCL Q6C, particularly in its 65-inch model. It features 4K resolution, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and supports Dolby Vision IQ. Additionally, it’s compatible with AMD FreeSync, comes with Game Master mode, and includes an HDMI 2.1 port.
Samsung QN90F
The Samsung QN90F is also noteworthy, especially in the 55-inch variant. With a Neo QLED panel, it boasts 4K resolution and refresh rates up to 165 Hz. It supports HDMI 2.1 and VRR through AMD FreeSync, along with Game Motion Plus mode and an anti-reflective panel.
If you’re looking for more options, check out our buying guides on the best televisions based on quality and price.
Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links and could provide a benefit to the original publisher. In the case of unavailability, offers may vary.